http://clampfix.fanworks.net/x-fix/gambit06.txt </head><body><pre>Things are beginning to "happen" from here onwards. If anyone is still suffering from headaches, I'd suggest some aspirin or paracetamol should help. ^_^; All characters are property of CLAMP. Standard disclaimers apply. --- Gambit (Part 6) An "X" Fanfic Presented by Alison Koh [Shadows of Time 6 - begin] Hinoto withdrew within her dreamscape and saw the Future again, the Future where she finally died at the Shinken of the 'Kamui'. The 'Kamui' had just been born. She could sense his aura radiating gently in the psychic patterns that flowed through Tokyo. She sighed deeply and prayed that Kamui would fulfil his destiny. "Where is this place?" a young voice spoke. Hinoto whipped around, surprised that someone other than her sister, Kanoe, could actually enter her dreamscape without her noticing. It was a young boy, no older than ten at most, with silken locks almost as pale as hers, and an exquisite pair of golden eyes. "Is this your dream?" he asked innocently. Hinoto nodded and then asked, "Who are you and how did you enter my dreamscape?" The boy sat down and dipped his fingers into the floor of the dreamscape, sending out gentle waves rippling across its liquid surface. He laughed lightly, amused by the effect he was creating. Then he replied with a childish shrug, "My name is Kakyou. I do not really know how I got here. Somehow I can easily enter other people's dreams." Hinoto gasped. The boy was a dreamgazer, but more than that, he was a dreamgazer with the ability to enter Hinoto's dreams. She was amazed by such strong powers in one so young, and relatively untrained. She shuddered to think what he could achieve when given more time. Kakyou looked about him and said, "Your dreamscape is very strange. Usually people act out an imaginary life in their dreams, but you just sit here in the darkness." "I am a dreamgazer," Hinoto replied, "I see the Future in my dreams." "Really?" the boy's eyes expanded in wonder, "Can you really see the Future in your dreams? But how can you see a Future when it has not yet been determined?" She shook her head, "The Future has already been determined. Have you not come across this Future in your dreams before?" The boy shrugged, "But what is the point of living if the Future has already been decided? Occasionally, I do snatch glimpses of something that might be set in the future. It was a horrible sight. Buildings collapsing, Tokyo covered with dust and lots of dead people everywhere. The other kids tell me that I must have been watching too many Godzilla movies." He chuckled and his eyes lit up with boyish charm. "The other kids?" Kakyou nodded, "I'm staying in an orphanage. Both my parents died in a car accident and I don't have any other relatives." "I'm sorry," Hinoto replied, but Kakyou indicated that he was not bothered by the memory. Hinoto slowly discovered that she was warming to the boy's innocent charm. Just then, the dreamscape began to shift slightly. Kakyou stood up and said, "I've got to go now. I have to wake up early since it's my morning duty today." He then stepped back into the shadows and vanished. A presence appeared by her side and whispered, "That boy must die." Hinoto turned around and faced her dark half. "No!" she protested, "He's only a child." "He is a very powerful Dreamgazer," her dark half replied, "You should know the implication of that." "Yes, and I want that Future to happen." "But I don't." "I won't let you kill him," Hinoto insisted. The dark Hinoto smiled. "Well, we can't have him running about freely either," she hissed menacingly before fading away. "If that's what it takes..." Hinoto muttered to herself. * Kakyou sat silently in the car, surrounded by four grim-looking adults in dark suits. He was supposed to be happy that someone, supposedly quite an influential person, had adopted him, but his half-developed senses were telling him otherwise. The large black sedan turned into a quiet lane and soon he could see the mansion ahead. It was typical of many traditional Japanese mansions, with arched tiled roofs, Zen gardens and surrounded by avenues of Sakura trees. As he entered the courtyard, an elderly lady, presumably the housekeeper greeted him, "Welcome to your new home, young Master Kakyou." Kakyou returned the greeting solemnly. Somehow this place did not look like home; it resembled a prison, a huge and expensive birdcage. And he was the helpless bird trapped within its gilded walls. [Shadows of Time 6 - end] * Subaru did his best to explain what had occurred at the Sakura Tree and the subsequent encounter with the Sakurazukamori without revealing Kamui's relationship with Seishirou. That was the boy's private matter and it was up to Kamui to decide if he ought to reveal it. That is, as long as it did not jeopardise the safety of any of the Dragons of Heaven, and so far it had not. The Sumeragi was a little taken aback when Sorata abruptly uttered a curse when they came to the part about Seishirou remarking that Kamui was using his mother's powers. "Subaru-san, could you give me your hand please?" Sorata asked, "I need to test out something. Trust me on this." Subaru shrugged and held out his hand to the monk. Sorata swiftly caught hold of the hand, and Subaru flinched when the monk suddenly discharged a small bolt of electricity through his body. Almost at the same time, Kamui, who had been lying asleep on the bed, uttered a weak groan as his body instinctively curled up into a foetal position. Subaru panicked. He pulled his hand away from Sorata and ran to Kamui's side. "Just as I thought," Sorata remarked grimly. "What do you mean?" Subaru asked. Meanwhile, Kamui had already calmed down again and was soon sleeping soundly. Sorata asked, "Do you know who his mother was?" Subaru shook his head. "Magami Tooru," Sorata explained. "Magami..." Subaru's eye widened at that name, "The family of kage-nies." Sorata nodded, "And it seems that Kamui has somehow chosen to protect you. Which means that if you get seriously hurt..." "...Kamui might die," Subaru completed the sentence and slumped into his chair. * The waiter quietly left the table after serving the main entrees. Fuuma admired the excellent presentation of the dish before sinking into the food. Seishirou tried to put on an air of nonchalance but the fact that he was not enjoying the food as much as usual indicated that something was bothering him. Fuuma allowed himself to savour the full flavour of the piece of steak by chewing slowly before finally swallowing. He then glanced at his companion and remarked, "That was quite an unexpected development, but it certainly adds an interesting new dimension to my game with Kamui." Seishirou pretended not to hear the comment and took a sip of the fine wine. "I believe you have said that you are not bothered if I have a little fun with your Prey. I guess I could effectively kill two birds with one stone now. With Kamui and the Sumeragi removed, the Seals will be seriously demoralised. We might even be able to forget about any Final Battle with them," Fuuma grinned wryly. Seishirou stared at him coldly. The youth chuckled, "Does the Sakurazukamori have a wish too? I shall leave your Prey alone for the time being then. Consider that a thank you gift for this fine dinner that you have bought. "In any case, the Promised Day will be arriving very soon. I shall have all the fun then." * "Should I even be thinking about him?" Yuzuriha mumbled to herself as she sat alone in the kitchen with her inugami. It was already past midnight. Everybody had gone to sleep, with the possible exception of the Sumeragi who was still keeping vigil by Kamui's side. Yuzuriha stared into her cup of hot chocolate while Inuki whimpered in understanding. Someone entered the kitchen. "Not sleeping?" "Oh...Subaru-san...it's you," she stammered. Subaru smiled at her reaction and then proceeded to make himself a cup of coffee. Without his cigarettes, which he tried not to indulge while in Kamui's presence, he needed the caffeine to stay awake. Stirring her own drink absently, she gazed at the Sumeragi's back, which had been turned to her and wondered if she ought to seek his help. Inuki understood and began to bark gently at Subaru. "Inuki!" Yuzuriha tried to control her pet, but Subaru had turned around to look at her. "Is something wrong?' he asked. Yuzuriha hesitated for a moment and then she asked, "Could I seek your advice about something?" Subaru's face registered a mild surprise and replied, "I'm not very good with giving advice but I can try my best to help." He pulled aside a chair and seated himself, and then patiently waited for the girl to speak. She began. "Erm...what would you do if you liked someone and even told that person so, but later discovered that the person you like is actually your enemy?" Subaru frowned. Other than Kamui, and perhaps Sorata whose sharp mind should have deduced something by now, none of the other Seals really knew about his past with Seishirou. Hence, he was more than a little taken aback by the girl's question. However, he noticed that the girl was looking really distressed, an odd reaction if she was truly referring to Subaru's matter. "What do you mean?" Subaru asked gently, making an effort to hide the edge in his voice. Yuzuriha reached out her hand to Subaru's which were resting on the table and said, "Can you promise not to tell anybody else what I am about to tell you?" Subaru nodded. Yuzuriha heaved a sigh of relief and explained, "I met Kusanagi-san just before I encountered Kamui-san and the rest of the Seals. He was the first person who can actually see Inuki, and Inuki reacted very favourably to him too. We went out on a few dates together. He was very nice and gentle, and seemed to have a way with animals. Birds and stray cats love to gather around him. "Later, when I was injured after the Shinjuku earthquake, it was Kusanagi-san who brought me to the hospital. He visited me everyday and bought me some new clothes to wear upon my discharge. He was a really nice man. It was then that I told him I like him." She paused for a moment and blushed at the memory of her first confession. "But two days ago, as we were about to celebrate the birth of new Inuki," she paused briefly to pat her dog, "We bumped into the other Kamui and the Sakurazukamori. It was then that I discovered that Kusanagi-san was actually one of the Dragons of Earth. I ran away immediately. Kusanagi-san tried to contact me several times on my pager, but I am afraid of meeting him again. What should I do?" She clutched her cup tightly with tears welling in her eyes. Meanwhile, Inuki nuzzled at her feet, trying to comfort his mistress. Subaru pondered the issue for a moment and then asked, "Does he like you as well?" "I think he does. He was very worried for me during the entire time I was hospitalised...and he wanted to avoid the two Dragons of Earth at the ice-cream parlour but the other Kamui caught sight of us together." "Has he ever disappointed you in any other way?" "No. Kusanagi-san is one of the nicest people I've ever met. As far as I know, he wasn't involved in destroying any of the Kekkais either. He says that all life are precious." "Then, apart from his status as a Dragon of Earth, is he your enemy." Yuzuriha shook his head, "No. Not at all." Subaru smiled, "You must understand that our part in this destiny of the Promised Day was not of our own choosing. We did not get to decide whether we should become a Dragon of Heaven or of Earth. Perhaps I am too naīve, but I do not believe that being on opposite sides in this war necessarily condemns us to become enemies. Perhaps that is our only choice in this matter: should we blindly accept our Fate and simply kill each other, or should we try to build a bridge of understanding. "Make your choice wisely, Yuzuriha-san. I need to return to Kamui's side. He might wake anytime soon." "Subaru-san..." Yuzuriha smiled, "Thank you." Subaru nodded in understanding and left the kitchen. After his little speech, Yuzuriha's heart became much lighter and she did not regret confiding in him. She picked up Inuki and gave it a warm hug. "Shall we contact Kusanagi-san tomorrow?" she asked her dog. Inuki obligingly gave a happy yelp. * Subaru reached out a hand to gently caress the sleeping face before him. Kamui murmured softly at the touch but continued to sleep. /...but I do not believe that being on opposite sides in this war necessarily condemns us to become enemies./ His own words, to comfort a distressed child. So Yuzuriha was also involved with a Dragon of Earth, this Kusanagi whom none of the other Seals had met. Subaru could not resist a cynical chuckle. Kamui with his twin-star, Yuzuriha and her Kusanagi, and finally himself and Seishirou. Yet, out of the three of them, Yuzuriha, the youngest and most naīve of them, was probably the only one with any chance of finding happiness in her opposite. If what she had said was true, this Kusanagi person was really good to her. On the other hand, Subaru could not help but wonder about his own feelings. The person he loved, the kind 'Seishirou-san' who was always there to protect and comfort him, was worse than dead. He simply never existed. Subaru understood this and still he continued to pursue the Sakurazukamori but to what purpose? To avenge his sister's death? Would he really be happy that way? At least Kamui might yet redeem Fuuma's true nature, but his own wish regarding the Sakurazukamori seemed like a hopeless cause right from the start. Nevertheless, it was his wish and it gave him the only reason to live after his twin had died. Now, though, there was another. He had to admit that, in some ways, he was fond of Kamui, the only person who had any understanding of Subaru's pain. And if Subaru had any doubts about Kamui's feelings, they had been dispelled the moment Sorata revealed that Kamui had, subconsciously or otherwise, chosen to be Subaru's kage-nie. This was an extra burden that Subaru did not want. It meant that he had to be more vigilant in battle, for while he might allow himself to be reckless before, he now had to take Kamui's own safety into consideration as well. Nonetheless, he felt honoured that Kamui should hold him in such high regards. But could he ever love another? Since Hokuto died, he had tried to live his life by sealing himself away from all emotions so that he might become strong like the Sakurazukamori. He had thought himself to be quite successful too, until Kamui managed to break through his shell and allow his heart to show. He had no friends, before Kamui came along. Yet Kamui was a Sakurazuka. Though they were fighting on the same side in this battle for the Promised Day, the fact that they came from opposing clans had already condemned them to be enemies. Could he even gaze at Kamui without remembering how his sister had died at Seishirou's hands? Or would he merely be seeking solace in the son as a surrogate for the father? Right now, he did not wish to think about the answer. He continued to caress Kamui's face absently. Morning soon arrived. Kamui slowly opened his eyes and felt a hand resting gently on his face. He looked up and was extremely happy to see that Subaru was seated beside him, his eyes closed as if asleep. "Su...ba...ru..." he called out weakly. The Sumeragi was instantly snapped out of his stupor by that voice. "Kamui, are you feeling better?" he asked. "Um..." the boy nodded. He pushed his hands onto the bed, struggling to sit up. Subaru immediately got up to help him. While Subaru was busy arranging the pillows so that Kamui could be more comfortable, the boy apologised sincerely, "I'm so sorry that I couldn't help you find your sister." "It's all right," Subaru replied as he fluffed up the pillows, "I should be the one apologising for letting you get hurt on my behalf." He then circled his arms around the boy's body to prop him up against the pillows. Kamui felt slightly embarrassed by the attention, especially when Subaru's face was so close to his own. On a sudden impulse, he planted a light kiss on the corner of Subaru's lips but instantly recoiled in mortification when he realised what he had done. He lowered his gaze away from the Sumeragi, afraid of what he might see. Instead he felt a hand comb through his hair, parting his unruly fringe aside. Then he felt Subaru's lips rest tenderly on the smooth skin of his forehead, and blushed instantly. He looked up and saw the Sumeragi smiling warmly at him. "You must be hungry now," Subaru noted, "I'll bring up some breakfast for you." As the Sumeragi stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him, Kamui had to struggle very hard to resist the temptation to yell in rapturous celebration. Subaru had forgiven him. * Hien and Souhi left the chamber, closing the door behind them, to allow privacy for the Princess and Arashi. "You sent for me?" the girl said. "Yes," the Princess replied, "I know where Aoki Seiichirou's family is hidden. Would you like to see?" She held out a hand towards Arashi. The girl nodded and took hold of it. All of a sudden, she felt something cold and corrupted brush past her soul, and she soon found herself surrounded by complete darkness. The silence was deafening. She tried to open her eyes but she could not see. And her screams formed no sound. While her body could still feel, she sensed that she was draped in some kind of thick fabric, probably a kimono. She could move her arms but not her legs. Horror struck her when she realised that she was now trapped inside Hinoto's body. A familiar voice, Hinoto's, echoed in her mind, "Do not worry, I shall take good care of your body." The voice laughed. Hinoto, who was now wearing Arashi's form, stepped into the shadows of the room, and waited for the Kansai monk to appear. An evil smile formed on her lips. * Nataku nuzzled beside his 'Daddy', enjoying Fuuma's hand stroking lightly through his hair. Suddenly the hand stopped. The bioroid looked up and saw that Fuuma was smiling. "It has finally begun," Fuuma remarked, excitement twinkling in his eyes. * The door slid opened and Sorata entered the chamber. The screen before Hinoto's dais was down, blocking his view of the Princess. He respectfully approached the dais, wondering if the Princess was asleep. "Hello, Sorata." "Ne-chan?" he wondered and turned around to see Arashi smiling at him. Arashi spoke, "The Princess is not in." "Huh? I thought she never leaves this place?" Arashi shrugged and replied, "Some major dignitary asked for her presence." She walked up to him and suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck. "I have always wanted to do this for a very long time," she purred and pressed her lips against his. Sorata almost could not believe it. Arashi was taking the initiative. As he savoured the taste of those sweet lips on his, a warning kicked in at the back of his mind and he pushed the girl aside. "You are not Ne-chan!" he said. The face of Arashi smiled again, this time more menacingly. "You are half correct," she said, "I am not Arashi but this is still her body." As a demonstration, she stretched out her right hand and unsheathed the sword belonging to the Holy Maiden of Ise, and proceeded to attack the monk. Sorata jumped aside, barely avoiding being sliced. But the sword tore through the screen and revealed Hinoto's body sitting there quietly with tears flowing down her cheeks. "Princess!" Sorata yelled, but the figure could not hear him. In the meantime, Sorata could only try to avoid being injured but he dared not fight back. He could not bear to hurt Arashi's body, especially if Arashi was still trapped inside. "Who are you?" he demanded to know. His attacker continued to wield the sword at him, but refused to answer his query. Sorata had no choice but to strike a lightning against a part of the ceiling, sending part of the masonry crashing down before the figure of Arashi and pinning her temporarily. He then ran towards the figure of Hinoto and called out the Princess name. She still did not acknowledge his presence, which was strange. He brushed his hand against hers and was surprised when she caught hold of his hand and held onto it tightly. Her mouth began to form words, though there was no sound. Sorata concentrated to understand her message and was shocked to see the words "Sorata help me" being formed. He froze as realisation finally dawned on him. However, he failed to notice the sharp steel raised over his heart behind him. It plunged through his back, and he collapsed onto Hinoto's, or rather Arashi's lap. Even then, he smiled, at the irony of his predicted death. ----- Dreams of Sakura Home -- http://www.starhub.net.sg/~alison X Shrine -- http://www.geocities.com/asuka_sg</pre><p><a href="./">Back</a></p><p><a href=http://www.dreamhost.com/donate.cgi?id=216><img border=0 alt="Donate towards our web hosting bill!" src=https://secure.newdream.net/donate1.gif></a></p></body></html>